Crozier named K-8 superintendent in Sudbury

Tom Godfrey/Wicked Local Correspondent

Saturday

Mar 17, 2018 at 8:52 AMMar 17, 2018 at 8:52 AM

SUDBURY --- Brad Crozier was unanimously selected as the next superintendent of Sudbury K–8 schools. Crozier emerged as the successful candidate at a special meeting of the Sudbury K-8 School Committee on Friday, March 16, after a long selection process that included 35 candidates for the job.

“After a rigorous search process, Mr. Crozier emerged as an extraordinary candidate who best reflected what our community sought in a new leader,” said school committee chairwoman Christine Hogan in a press release shortly after the appointment.

Crozier currently serves as the assistant superintendent of the Wayland Public School System but he began his career in education in 1994 as a teacher in Connecticut. Crozier moved into administration in 1998 when he became the K-5 vice principal in Gentry, Arkansas. He served as principal at the Gentry Intermediate School before he became the principal at Wayland's Happy Hollow Elementary School from 2001 until he took up his current position.

The need for a new Superintendent became apparent when Anne Wilson, the town's current superintendent, announced her plans to retire at the end of the current school year. Wilson has been on the job since 2011.

The process to find the right fit was not an easy one.

“There's a lot the public doesn't see that goes on behind the scenes,” said committee member Lucie St. George.

The Committee enlisted the help of the UMASS Boston Collins Center to aid in the candidate search and screening process. The original pool of 35 applicants was reduced to just eight. Interviews were conducted with that group and the final four were chosen. One candidate, Dr. Glenn Brand, withdrew his application after accepting the superintendent position in Wilmington. The remaining candidates were Crozier, James Jolicoeur, and Dr. Alexandra Montes McNeil.

Crozier was a stand out from the start. According to Hogan, knowing that there was a candidate with Crozier's strengths and achievements was a major reassurance in the process.

“My step got a little lighter after I read his cover letter,” said Hogan.

For many in the committee, the onsite visit to Crozier's district in order to see the efficiency and happiness of his staff and students was a major contributor to their decision.

“To actually meet the people who work with the candidate gives you a great perspective,” said committee member Lisa Kouchakdjian.

Another contributing factor that helped solidify the committee's decision was that Crozier would have less of a learning curve then it came to managing the school system of a town like Sudbury that was comparable to the one he currently works in. His ability to act as a force to ensure funding in a district with budget concerns was also cited.

“I really feel very strongly that he has the ability to move [the district] forward,” said St. George.

Pending contract negotiations, Crozier will start his role as Superintendent on July 1, 2018.